Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Slowbro and Slowking have the same base stat values. The difference lies in that, after evolving, each one specializes in different aspects.

When evolving into Slowbro, it excels in physical defense, being more suited for physical defense, and its attribute development will focus on the Water type.

Meanwhile, evolving into Slowking makes it excel in special defense, being better suited for special defense, and its attribute development will lean more toward the Psychic type.

However, Slowbro has an advantage that Slowking doesn't possess: the ability to mega evolve. Although mega evolution has yet to be discovered or announced, given his knowledge of future evolutions, Cain believes it's better to be prepared in advance.

Cain explained to Slowpoke through telepathic communication the details about its future evolutions, along with the pros and cons of each, hoping it would make an informed decision on its own.

In fact, Cain's Slowpoke has always been different from the others. Normal Slowpoke are usually somewhat slow or clumsy, but Cain's Slowpoke has fully demonstrated its potential as a psychic Pokémon, especially in the development of its intelligence.

Cain still remembers that this dark green-quality Slowpoke was once coveted by Sabrina, the Psychic Queen.

For an Elite-level trainer to be interested in a dark green-quality Pokémon, it's clear that this Slowpoke has outstanding talent in the Psychic type.

Therefore, Slowking seems to be the most suitable evolutionary path for it, but the fact that Slowbro can mega evolve is something to consider.

After hearing Cain's opinion, Slowpoke didn't make an immediate decision but remained silent.

However, it wanted to confirm one thing with Cain: who would have control after the joint evolution? Or would the consciousnesses of both Pokémon merge?

Finally, Cain told Slowpoke that there was a 90% chance it would have control, while Shellder, after evolving, would serve more as a type of defense equipment.

"All right, you still have time to think, but regardless of the direction of evolution, you will need a Shellder. Based on my knowledge, the quality of the joint evolution depends on the quality of both Pokémon."

"Unlike the joint evolution of two Pokémon of the same type, if we find a high-quality Shellder, it will benefit you greatly in the future," Cain communicated to Slowpoke telepathically.

If two Beldum evolve together, their qualities balance out, but in Slowpoke's case, joint evolution will also be influenced by the quality of both. Cain suspects it will most likely be based on Slowpoke's quality, with Shellder's quality used to enhance it. The final result will depend on the specific situation.

"Yadon!" Slowpoke nodded in agreement.

In any case, regardless of the evolutionary direction, Shellder is essential, so Slowpoke decided to capture one first and think afterward.

From the side, Miyamoto watched Cain and Slowpoke communicating through telepathy, not understanding anything. However, upon noticing Shellder on the shore, he showed an expression of realization.

Though he was unaware that Slowpoke had another possible evolution, he knew it needed a Shellder to evolve.

So, was the plan to capture a Shellder?

Cain indeed planned to capture a Shellder, but his requirements were very high.

Currently, Slowpoke has a dark green quality, which is enough for its current power level. But when Cain advances to Officer or even Senior Officer, that quality will no longer be enough.

While he could use energy crystals to improve its quality, Slowpoke would need a level upgrade, something that can't be achieved with one or two medium energy crystals.

Cain was also considering that Slowpoke is a shiny Pokémon. If it fuses with a non-shiny Shellder, what would be the likelihood that the evolved Pokémon remains shiny?

He has yet to see any specific advantage to being a shiny Pokémon, but these Pokémon are extremely rare. Cain hopes that Slowbro or Slowking will retain its shininess after evolution.

Therefore, Cain has very strict requirements for Shellder: it must be of high quality and, preferably, also shiny. This would be extremely rare.

Cain has been in this world for a long time and has only seen one shiny Slowpoke in the wild.

Not everyone has the luck (cough the power of money) of Steven, who found four shiny Pokémon.

Cain could lower his requirements a bit: if the Shellder found has blue or dark blue quality, it doesn't matter if it isn't shiny. But if it has dark green or light blue quality, it must be a shiny Shellder.

That's Cain's limit.

He has a feeling that, after evolution, Slowpoke will fully manifest its shiny state.

"Miyamoto, you can act freely for now. I'm going to look for a high-quality Shellder so Slowpoke can prepare in advance," Cain told Miyamoto.

"Understood!" Miyamoto nodded respectfully and headed into the forest with Primeape and Mankey.

Cain, watching as Miyamoto disappeared among the trees, delved back into his thoughts.

In his current state, he's still slightly inferior to Vexor, who likely has a trump card. If his Pokémon levels can increase or if one of them evolves, his confidence will increase considerably.

Shellder is just one part of Cain's plans.

"Gyarados, go down and see how many Shellder and Cloyster are here," Cain ordered Gyarados.

Gyarados obeyed the order, nodded, and dived into the water.

Cain is 80% certain that this river is the same one where he captured Slowpoke before.

While waiting by the shore with Slowpoke and Murkrow, Cain knows that Slowpoke isn't the only one ready to evolve. Murkrow could also evolve if he gets a Superior-quality Dusk Stone.

If he had a Superior-quality Dusk Stone and Murkrow evolved into Honchkrow, Cain would feel much more confident about defeating Vexor.

He uses Bug-type Pokémon, and Honchkrow is a Dark- and Flying-type Pokémon, which gives it a great advantage in terms of type.

Additionally, Murkrow with the ability Prankster would change its ability to Moxie after evolving—a completely different but also very powerful ability. If used correctly, it could even defeat six opponents in a row!

(End of Chapter)